While we are all waiting with anticipation for the release of Windows 10, many people are still struggling to manage the confusing landscape of Windows 8.  While Windows 8 is optimized for touchscreens, a collection of easy to remember keyboard shortcuts can help you bypass the touch and just use your keyboard and mouse to get around.  Here are some of our favorites:

Windows key + C – Opens the Charms bar, the menu that pops out from the right of your screen that gives you quick access to Search, Share, Start, Devices and Settings. If you use this shortcut within an app it will open app-specific commands.

Windows key + D — Pulls up or hides the Desktop, the mode that most resembles older Windows operating systems. If you’re accustomed to having side-by-side windows open at once—say, Chrome alongside Word—this mode lets you do it.

Windows key + F — Open the Search charm to search files

Windows key + S — Opens the Search charm to search everywhere (including your files, settings and the Web).  Windows key + I — Opens the Settings charm, which includes often-used functions such as Volume, WiFi Networks and Power.

Windows key + X — Calls up a menu of advanced system tools, such as the Control Panel, Command Prompt, Task Manager and File Explorer.

Ctrl + either the plus (+) or minus (-) signs — Zooms in or out. This is especially helpful to organize the apps pinned to your Start screen. By zooming out you can move an entire block of them at once, instead of app by app.

To learn how your business can benefit from virtualization, cloud services, and hosted applications, signup for a Free RevITup SilverCloud Assessment.  For more information on solutions for running your businesses’ technology more efficiently, visit our website or contact Megan Meisner at mmeisner@launchpadonline.com or 813 448-7100 x210.